Established in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is recognized as the world’s first and largest Koala rescue center. The 44-acre sanctuary is located in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket in Queensland, Australia.
The sanctuary was developed to provide safe refuge to sick, injured, and orphaned koalas, at a time when they were being killed for their fur. Founded by Claude Reid, it recognized the need to protect these adorable animals and preserve their habitat.
To date, Lone Pine has 130 koalas and other animals such as kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, platypus, and various species of reptiles. The center is open to the public where visitors can hold koalas for a fee, but with strict regulations ensuring that each koala is not held for more than thirty minutes every day. You can also feed kangaroos and meet a large variety of Australian wildlife.
According to Wikipedia, Lone Pine opened their new world-class koala science and research facility called the Brisbane Koala Science Institute, on June 30, 2018.
“Through joint projects with universities and other research establishments, the Institute will be working towards real, practical outcomes for local koala populations.”
